TREMONTON, Utah (KUTV) — The Tremonton-Garland Police Department has identified the two officers who were tragically shot and killed in the line of duty as Sergeant Lee Sorensen, 56, and Officer Eric Estrada, 31.
Both Lee and Estrada were involved in a shooting with a suspect on Aug. 17 after responding to reports of a domestic disturbance.
During the incident, the suspect exited the home and opened fire, fatally striking both officers.
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Sgt. Sorensen had 17 years of experience in law enforcement, 16 of which were with the Garland Police Department. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Award in February of this year by the Tremonton Fire Department for his dedication, support, professionalism, and commitment in assisting fire and EMS units during incidents. He and his wife, Lanette, also received Garland City’s Wheelon Award in 2020, which recognizes those who have significantly impacted the city.
Sorensen had recently been promoted to the role of Sergeant and was planned to be sworn in on Friday, Aug. 22.
He is survived by his wife and children.
Officer Estrada started his career in law enforcement with the Logan Police Department in 2017. His career included two stints serving the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office at the jail and as a patrol officer and detective at the North Park Police Department.
Estrada joined the Tremonton Police Department earlier this year, where he served as a line officer and a member of the community outreach team.
He is survived by his wife, Brittney, and their two children, Cienna and Luka.
A procession honoring both Sergeant Sorensen and Officer Estrada will be held on Aug. 18 beginning at 4 p.m. The processional will start at the Medical Examiner’s Office in Taylorsville and head north to Tremonton. The procession will bring both Sorensen and Estrada to the Rudd Funeral Home in Garland and the Allen-Hall Mortuary in Logan, respectively.
Community members are invited to line the procession route in a show of support and respect of the fallen officers and their families.
In addition to the procession, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox has ordered flags throughout the state to be flown at half-staff until funeral services can be held for Sergeant Sorensen and Officer Estrada.
“We owe these heroes a debt that can never be repaid,” Cox said in a statement. “As we grieve, let us also recommit to supporting the men and women of law enforcement who stand on the front lines to keep our neighborhoods safe. May God bless the Sorensen and Estrada families, and all those who are hurting in this time of loss.”
A deputy with the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office, who has not been identified, and his service dog were also struck by gunfire during the incident. Officials confirm the deputy has since been released from the hospital and is recovering in “fair” condition. The service dog is being held at a veterinary clinic for further care as a precaution.
The suspect, who has been identified as Ryan Michael Bate, 33, was arrested and faces two counts of capital aggravated murder, one count of first-degree felony attempted aggravated murder and one count of misdemeanor assault.
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